helpless

Mary Beth's sermon this morning centered on the helplessness of Jesus as he allowed himself to be crucified to save us from our sins.  She commented that most of us have felt helpless at some time or another.  Yesterday was one of those days for me.

I got my car back on Thursday and drove it around town for a day or two then hit the road for Jackson yesterday.  No problem.  As I was headed out on 412 I noticed that it started making a very strange noise which alarmed me.  It was sort of shuddering and shaking.  I pulled over twice on the shoulder to see if the tires were okay and they were.  The next place with ANY people was Bells and I stopped at the first convenience store I came to to ask somebody for help.  There were a few elderly guys at the pumps and none of them were able to understand what I needed.  When I said "I need help" they thought I was asking for money.  There were a couple of Hispanic guys loading up stuff into the back of their SUV with a rooster call as they lifted the back up.  I crept up to their tinted window and knocked.  And knocked.  Finally he rolled the window down and I said "Habla ingles?"  He shook his head no.

By now I was getting scared so I drove on to the next convenience store where I spotted a nice looking couple hauling a pop up camper.  I approached him in the parking lot and said "I'm not asking for money.  I need car help!!"  He was most gracious and said "Let's check it out."  He reassured me that the engine temp was okay and had me drive forward and backward for about 15 feet.  The problem was that it doesn't start until I hit about 20 mph so I asked him to pray for me to make it home to Dyersburg.  One of the useless ones from my first stop also offered to pray for my safety as well so he wasn't so useless after all.  

I have no clue what this is all about.  The transmission is shifting because I can feel it.  Bubba met me at the shop where I left it and dropped me off at church.  My friends brought me home after.  It has been exactly 8 weeks since that same scenario when it went into the shop on a Saturday and Bubba dropped me off and a friend brought me home.  It reminds me of when we used to take turns hauling Mama and Daddy back and forth to FUMC for five years.  

I had a great visit with my girls and Ms. Reba yesterday so it was worth all the hassle getting home.  Needless to say, I was relieved and prayed the whole way not to get stranded in the 95 degree heat.  God answered that prayer and many others.  I have often been guilty of praying on the spot rather than making a list and spending quiet time with the Lord.  I reckon he meets me where I am and hears them all.  

Faith, hope and love ^j^ 

escape mode

I have my car back after almost two months and a $160 payment for three years on the transmission.  It was kind of weird to be driving it again after two months of a a borrowed Edge with all the bells and whistles.  I am enough like my mother that I called Ford corporate today to complain and I was told that the recalls are "VIN specific" and mine was not eligible for reimbursement even though it is an known issue with that model.  Also about half a million Ford F150 trucks got a recall this week.  Sucks to be an Escape driver.

I miss driving a Toyota because they are very reliable and go forever if you take care of them.  The trusty Camry got me from here to there for 20 years before I traded for the Escape.  There is probably a reason that my current car was so cheap.  I got tons of emails about extended warranties right before my transmission left me lurching on HWY 51 north going home.  Red followed me to Lake Road Service Center where it was pronounced dead.

My plan for the weekend is to go see my girls and worship at DFUMC.  A member of the split invited me to visit there and I responded that I might.  I'll probably go down with the ship at Main and McGaughey.  Or maybe we will soar!  God only knows.

I'm craving a doggo but it's not in the budget right now.  That does not stop me from looking.  I figure when Big Ernie sends me one I'll know.  I am thankful for today's rain because my water hose has a big fat hole in it, probably caused by a random mower.  I don't remember his name but, uh.  He owes me a new hose.  I tried electrical and Gorilla tape and it still sprays everywhere,  

I pray that wherever you are and whatever is going on in your life that you are blessed with faith and love ^j^

all y'all

That is a catch all phrase in the South which includes you, your family and everybody you ever loved plus those who are struggling just to stay above water.  Dog paddling, if you will.  So many people don't understand that the struggle is real for most all of us.  My car has been in the shop for six weeks now and hopefully I will pick it up on Monday and get back to Escape mode.  I drive very slowly down Samaria Bend now because it is lined with corn and deer tend to jump out there when you least expect 'em.  Usually at dawn or dusk.  Thanks to an old and dear friend, I have had a car to drive during that time.  We checked out rental rates which are not covered under insurance for mechanical failure, and out of the heavens came Laura who had an extra.  We are lifelong friends.

Yesterday I worked in the church pantry and had a good time filling bags with donated food for those who don't have enough.  I have been blessed with plenty and though I don't think my one tomato plant in a pot will produce much, I know where to get them.  Since I became an ostomate I have been schooled by my friend Jay on the finer points of using supplies correctly and efficiently.  He was way ahead of me on the learning curve so I appreciate the advice and help.  

My teeth are in pretty bad shape and I have an extraction and denture delivery scheduled for July 11th, let us pray big time.  Sedation is expensive so I chose nitrous at 35 bucks not covered by insurance.  That's what the flex card is for.  The retina specialist told me to quit smoking and there was no change because I am faithful with the AREDs. I have come to love the taste of one gel bitten in the evening.  

It is hot y'all and I don't do well with that.  I know, I'm repeating myself so bear with me.  Nothing stops the bob whites though, nothing.  They speak to me from the trees in my family's yard and tell me every little thing will be alright.  Their house looks nothing like when they lived here thanks to renovation.  I hope to bring Ms Reba out here when it's cleaned up.  She hasn't seen in a gazillion years.  I think Rosie would love her!

I tend to steer away from controversy now but here is what I believe with all my heart in no particular order:

Both political parties have failed to deliver a solid candidate for this election.

I think DS did it but why waste more taxpayer money to prove it?  There is more to that story than is being told.

The UMC is inclusive and has my heart. So do the Cumberland Presbyterians and Episcopalians.  We worship God the Father in many different ways.  To each his or her own.

The 11th commandment is that you shall not abuse animals by leaving them out in the heat without food and water.  Do not take one on if you cannot afford it.  They are expensive to care for and not toys to be trained to fight or ride in purses.   This is why I have ONE cat who does her own thing and works with my schedule.

I worked for a lady one time who had four cats and a dog, plus a stuffed bobcat on the porch.  She liked me enough but was non-compliant with every freakin' thing including baths.  This lady fired everybody that was there to help her and told them to hit the door.  Never mind that her family was paying for that care.

Physical therapy was awesome this morning at Dynamix.  Two different practitioners tried to pop my back and it was way too stiff to move.  We have identified my neck and shoulder problems and that is the main focus now.  Felica did some MFR and then I was led though band exercises and some electrical stimulation with moist heat.  Amazing stuff.  My biggest problem is that I tilt forward and fail to keep my elbows and shoulders in the proper place.  Note to self:  Do that and more.

Keep the faith ^j^

 

if you can't stand the heat....

Well, it's probably the humidity.  There's a breeze out there but it's a hot one.  The air quality according to the weather forecast is "moderate."  From where I sit I can actually see the air which is not too inviting.  Kind of like pea soup.  I had a bad bag morning which was unfortunate because I was the liturgist at DFUMC.  I managed to make it home and get into something loose so Poopie could do her thing in peace.  My supplies don't come until the first week of July so it looks like I'll have to order from Amazon to get me through.  

I cannot tolerate the heat and humidity...I'm a woos when it comes to that and I will smooth sell a kidney just to stay cool.  My pre-pay bill is running about six bucks a day now.  We are under a heat advisory and the first day of summer is not yet here.  Lord help us.  As I was driving through downtown D'burg yesterday I noticed all the Juneteenth celebrations going on under tents and what not.  Once again, I can't take the heat and the poor air quality without real Sudafed and prednisone.  When I last went to my GP I had bronchitis and a sinus infection and got five days of 10 mg prednisone which helped but it's now gone.  I'll be back dude.  You are my PCP.  I also had an ear infection which I've been treating with peroxide and alcohol the old school way.  

I pray that we all have a joyful day ^j^

come hell or high water

My friends have a pool that I never got into last summer.  First time ever for me not to go swimming.  That will change tomorrow because it's blazing hot.  I have PT in the morning and will wear my swimsuit with a cover up so I can go to the pool and visit with Doonie and whoever else is there.  This is the pool that Reaves learned to swim in as a 3 and 4 year old.  It's surrounded by flowers and a golf course.  Zero chance of rain so I need some sunscreen for my lily white body. Or maybe I'll go to Mo's house.  We shall see.

I got some Sevin dust today for my lone tomato plant ( in a pot ) that now has a baby 'mater.  Reckon I'll have to cage it soon.  As for the rest of it, it's all herbs and flowers.  I can buy squash at the farmer's market or mooch off of Patrick and Beverly.  As I pulled into the driveway yesterday I saw a critter running across the front yard and at first thought it was Rosie.  On closer inspection it turned out to be a racoon that made a bee line to the corn across the road.  A coon can tear up a cornfield in a heartbeat.

I have spent a fair amount of time at the hospital lately and ran into my cousin David yesterday in the cafeteria.  It was his first day there after three years of traveling.  His wife and dogs are sheltering in place in their RV at the local Love's truck stop while he works.  I was totally impressed with the care he gave us.  

Meanwhile, the Southern Baptist Convention has outlawed IVF because "that's not the normal way to have babies."  Lord have mercy y'all.  I am so thankful to be an inclusive Methodist.  this Sunday is Father's Day and I am the liturgist.  I may have a tale or two to tell about my own Daddy making a joyful noise.

Joyful joyful we adore thee ^j^

it takes a village

I have been a caregiver ever since I retired from the hospital.  That being said, I end up there often with friends/clients and every time I go I see people I used to work with.  Today's surprise was the front entry clerk where they scan your license and give you a name tag.  This woman spent 12 years in the housekeeping department which is a thankless job, and is now greeting people at the front entrance where she can sit down.  It made me so happy that she has this new vocation for two years now. She is one of the good ones who really care.  Case management was also someone I worked with and I knew NOBODY in the lab when I stopped by there except for Mary.  I feel sorry for folks who don't have a healthcare advocate when in that situation.  Family are usually not really able to ask the right questions or get things done when the situation is dire.  Which is the case here.  Like I've said before, I'm almost a nurse;)

The weather has been glorious for a couple of days but the heat will soon be on.  I'm hoping that we get the worst of it in June with a milder July and August as in the past few years but who knows.  Mother nature is pretty angry and unpredictable right now. 

I haven't seen my kids in over a month and I miss them.  Reaves was scheduled to go on a cruise but Mommy Kim got double pneumonia so that was a wash.  Shit just keeps on happening and we have to go with the flow.  I used to get all bent out of shape when plans didn't go according to my will.  Now I roll with it most of the time.  My calendar is full of appointments and that's not a bad thing.  It gives me a reason to go to bed early and get up and go!

Y'all be faithful and kind ^j^

you gotta' eat

I haven't bought groceries in close to a month other than a random trip to the 'gentral.  Normally I order pickup from Kroger or Wallyworld but yesterday I actually went INTO Kroger and picked out what I wanted to avoid substitutions.  I spent a lot of money but got a lot of food for one person.  I know how to make it last.  I ate a ton of fried yellow squash for supper last night which is one of my favorites.  When Mama used to cook it we would eat it right out of the frying pan on the paper towels and there was not much left by suppertime.

I have a renewed interest in cleaning up this old house because I have been neglectful for awhile.  Storage space is limited so I'm having to get creative with that.  I will need another tote or two to store the winter stuff and I reckon they will be stacked in the corner of my bedroom.  

We have had almost daily rains for about a month now so everything is blooming.  Stargazer and tiger lily have buds set ready to explode with beauty at just the right time.  Stargazers are first, then tigers around the first of July.  If you have never smelled a Stargazer lily, you are missing out.  Kind of the scent of a French whorehouse.

Our summer series at DFUMC is based on favorite hymns.  Today's was Blessed Assurance and I learned a whole lot about Fannie and her life as a blind composer.  Our SS class is studying about the history of religion in America and is quite fascinating.  I have pantry duty for the next two weeks and liturgy next Sunday.  I may not tithe appropriately but I do what I can and make it up in service.  God knows my heart ^j^

break a hip

I was surprised to see on my last chest x-ray that I had healed broken ribs on the RIGHT side ( 2 thru 6, to be exact.)  I am assuming that happened when I fell out of the bed while chasing the bad guys in my dream.  I was on a mission for sure! I was certain that I had broken every rib on the left side when I fell into the internet equipment one night while looking for a gown.  But no.  That was a big bad bruise that took six weeks to heal.  Or maybe the x-rays were not accurate.  Who knows.

The trial of interest is over with a locked jury.  Enough already because nobody cares anymore about that stuff except for court tv watchers.  In this particular case I observed a long drawn out investigation with conflicting evidence.  What struck me the most was the professional and compassionate behavior of the judge and his staff.  They got hijacked to Weakley county so that the suspect could get a "fair" trial.  Along with them were many jurors getting paid pennies a day to decide the verdict.  You have to love and respect the law to make that kind of sacrifice.  I was called as a juror in a case before I retired where this couple were suing every healthcare provider in West Tennessee because their daughter died from a snake bite at the lake.  The judge excused me because I knew and worked with all of the defendants.  

My most memorable day in court was when I testified in a child custody trial way back when.  Kimo and LP were BFFs and her dad and grandparents were trying to take custody from her mother.  I'll spare you the details and cut to the chase.  One night my girl was spending the night in Finley when I got a call to come pick her up early in the morning.  Cops were there.  She came running out and we took her home.  This entire scenario was over control of a teenager.  Her mom asked me to testify about that night and I got cold feet.  She then told me that I would get called anyway.  I waited all day outside the courtroom while they did what they do.  At about 4:30 I was called in by the judge who greeted me cordially to testify.  I told the story and saw some folks over yonder saying "Why didn't you TELL me about this incident?"  It was the other attorney.  Needless to say Mom got custody and all is well these days.  I think.

I just told what I saw and witnessed.  I didn't lie or anything like that but it was fresh on my mind.  When you start grilling folks about what happened a decade ago, there are memory lapses.  Shit happens and all that.  I do not understand why this current trial is such a big deal except that a whole lot of folks want to place blame on both sides.  I don't work that way at all.

So I've been gone for four days and Rosie is having a fit because of that.  She was fed and watered but pretty pissed because Mama wasn't here to rub on.  My basil is quite healthy because she uses the raised bed as a litter box.  I watered everything today in the pots.  About time to get the hose out and wash Laura's car.  

Y'all keep the faith ^j^